Construction of the unique nuclear power unit BREST-OD-300 will begin this year

Construction of the world's first experimental demonstration power unit, operating with the help of a power unit at fast neutrons and using molten lead BREST-OD-300 as a coolant, will be started already in this year. So, according to the publication "Strana Rosatom", the start of construction is scheduled for this fall and will begin in the Tomsk region.

New power unit on fast neutrons - the future of nuclear power

The construction of this power unit is primarily needed in order to practice the technology of the future atomic energy in practice. And already in February of this year, a license was issued for the construction of a BREST-OD-300 power unit to a company belonging to the structure of Rosatom, to the Siberian Chemical Plant (Tomsk Region, Seversk).

According to the plan, the creation of an experimental demonstration energy complex (ODEK) will allow in practice to work out how the very technology of operating a fast neutron reactor, as well as the technology for the production of fuel for reactors of such type.

Since the project will provide a complete closed nuclear fuel cycle, which will allow not only generate electricity, but also produce new fuel.

And according to the roadmap, the commissioning of the ODEK complex is scheduled for 2026.

Why are such reactors needed?

So, first of all, BREST-OD-300 should in practice confirm the main technical solutions that were laid by engineers in a similar type of reactors, and to prove their complete safety and reliability work.

A lead coolant was also chosen, since it has a number of tangible advantages. It (lead) slows down neutrons a little, which is extremely important for fast neutron reactors.

In addition, lead has a fairly high boiling point, and it is also chemically inert during contact with air or water. In addition, such a coolant does not require a high pressure in the coolant circuit.

This unique combination of lead and dense heat-conducting nitride fuel creates ideal conditions for the formation of nuclear fuel, and also almost completely negates the most difficult and unpredictable emergency situations like the notorious Chernobyl.

In nuclear power, Soviet and now Russian engineers have always occupied a leading position and the construction of the BREST-OD-300 is another confirmation of this.

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